Combination tablet computer and game controller with flexible bridge section

ABSTRACT

An apparatus generally directed to a combination tablet computer and game controller. The tablet computer provides a plurality of sides, in which each of the sides are disposed between an electronic display screen and a back. The computer game controller provides side structures adjacent the tablet computer on at least two opposing sides. The computer game controller further preferably providing input module apertures and a camera. Preferably, each input module aperture selectively accepts either a game control module or a removable keyboard module. The input module apertures are preferably adjacent each of the at least two opposing sides of the tablet computer, and the camera communicates with each the electronic game controller and the tablet computer. The electronic game controller further provides an integrated transaction card input feature.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/681,153 filed on Nov. 19, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/494,801 filed on Jun. 12, 2012, which in turn claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/577,709 filed on Dec. 20, 2011.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a preferred embodiment, a combination preferably includes a tablet computer and game controller. The tablet computer provides a plurality of sides, in which each of the sides are disposed between an electronic display screen and a back of the tablet computer. The computer game controller provides control modules adjacent to and confining the tablet computer on at least two opposing sides of the tablet computer, and a structural bridge joining the pair of control modules. The computer game controller further preferably providing input module apertures and a camera. Preferably, each input module aperture secures an instructional input device. The input module apertures are preferably adjacent each of the at least two opposing sides of the tablet computer, and the camera communicates with each the electronic game controller and the tablet computer, the camera selectively captures either still or video images, and the structural bridge preferably provides a communication pathway between the pair of control modules. The structural bridge securing the pair of control modules one to the other and communicating with the back of the tablet computer at a mid-region of the back of the tablet computer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view, with partial cutaway, of an embodiment an electronic game control apparatus constructed and operated in accordance with various embodiments disclosed and claimed herein.

FIG. 2 shows a back plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 displays a right side plan view, with partial cutaway, of the apparatus of FIG. 1, constructed in accordance with various embodiments disclosed and claimed herein.

FIG. 4 depicts a right side plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, constructed in accordance with various embodiments disclosed and claimed herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of an input device of FIG. 1, constructed in accordance with various embodiments disclosed and claimed herein.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 displays a front perspective view, with partial cutaway, of a combination electronic game control and information input device constructed and operated in accordance with various embodiments disclosed and claimed herein.

FIG. 9 depicts a back plan view of the combination of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 illustrates a front perspective view, with partial cutaway, of an alternate embodiment of a combination electronic game control and information input device constructed and operated in accordance with various embodiments disclosed and claimed herein.

FIG. 11 shows a top perspective view of an embodiment of an input device with an integrated point of sale device, the input device is constructed in accordance with various embodiments disclosed and claimed herein.

FIG. 12 displays a front perspective view, with partial cutaway, of an alternate embodiment of a combination electronic game control and information input device, the information input device provides the integrated point of sale device.

FIG. 13 displays a front perspective view, with partial cutaway, of an alternative embodiment of a combination tablet computer and electronic game control, the electronic game control includes a pair of control modules linked one to the other by a bridge member.

FIG. 14 shows a back plan view of the combination tablet computer and electronic game control of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 illustrates a top perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the combination tablet computer and electronic game control of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure generally relates to a combination game controller and information input device directed to controlling electronic games and entry of information to a tablet computer, also referred to herein as video games, computer and applications games. The apparatus preferably includes a tablet computer, an electronic game communicating with the tablet computer, and an input device for controlling movement of a virtual object provided by the electronic game, and entry of information into the tablet computer. In a preferred embodiment, the input device includes a pair of opposing side structures adjacent opposing sides of plurality of sides of the tablet computer. The input device further preferably includes a plurality of input switches, wherein said input switches are adjacent each of the at least two opposing sides of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer, and a bridge structure disposed between the pair of sides to form a three sided structure. The third structure mitigates inadvertent removal of the tablet computer from the three sided structure when the tablet computer is fully nested within the three sided structure.

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 provides an exemplary game controller and information entry device (“G&D”) 100 capable of being used in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. The exemplary G&D 100 has at least a tablet computer 102 that providing a plurality of sides, such as 104, 106, 108, and 126. Each of the plurality of sides 104, 106, and 108 are disposed between an electronic display screen 110, of the tablet computer 102, and a back 112 (shown by FIG. 2) of the tablet computer 102 operates. The G&D 100 further preferably includes an input device 114.

In a preferred embodiment, the input device 114 provides a pair of side structures, 116 and 118. One of the pair of side structures, for example 116, is adjacent to and confines the tablet computer 102 on a first side, such as 104 of the plurality of sides 104, 106, 108, and 126 of the tablet computer 102. The second side structure of the pair of side structures, such as 118, is adjacent to and confines the tablet computer 102 on a second side, such as 108, of the plurality of sides 104, 106, 108, and 126 of the tablet computer 102, wherein the first and second sides, such as 104 and 108, of the plurality of sides 104, 106, 108, and 126 of the tablet computer 102 are opposing sides of the plurality of sides 104, 106, 108, and 126, of the tablet computer 102.

In a preferred embodiment, the input device 114 further provides a plurality of removable game control modules 120 and 122, wherein the removable game control modules 120 and 122 are adjacent each of the at least two opposing sides 104 and 108, of the plurality of sides 104, 106, 108, and 126, of the tablet computer 102, and a bridge structure 124, disposed between the pair of side structures 116 and 118, and adjacent the third side 126, of the plurality of sides 104, 106, 108, and 126, of the tablet computer 102.

In a preferred embodiment, the removable game control modules 120 and 122 may be removed from the input device 114, and replaced by removable keyboard modules 164 and 166, of FIG. 8. To facilitate the exchange of modules, the input device preferably provides a pair of input module apertures 170. The removable keyboard modules collectively form a full function keyboard and each provide an auxiliary electronic display screen (“ADS”) 168, each ADS 168 having at least the functionality of the electronic display screen 110.

In an alternate embodiment, shown by FIG. 10, the removable keyboard modules 164 and 166 are a pair of touch responsive electronic display screens 172 and 174, each of the touch responsive electronic display screens having at least the functionality of the electronic display screen 110, include the functionality of a mouse pad portions 176 and 178, and selectively presents keys of a keyboard 180 and 182 for information entry. Preferably, the keys are virtual keys that respond to a touch by a user.

Returning to FIG. 1, preferably, the bridge structure 124 in combination with the pair of side structures 116 and 118 form a three sided structure 128 (of FIG. 5) (also referred to herein as a u-shaped structure 128 of the input device 114), in which the tablet computer 102 nests, such that the tablet computer 102 is confined by the u-shaped structure 128, and the u-shaped structure 128 mitigates inadvertent removal of the tablet computer 102 from the u-shaped structure 128 when the tablet computer 102 is fully nested within the three sided structure 128.

The G&D 100 of FIG. 1, further preferably includes a video game 130. Preferably, the video game 130 provides a virtual object 132 displayed by the electronic display screen 110, the virtual object 132 is responsive to input from the input device 114. An example of a response of the virtual object 132 would be movement of the virtual object 132, or the loading of an alternate computer game, based on a predetermined signal provided by the input device 114, or an appearance of a character. It is noted that FIG. 1 displays the housings of the plurality of switches, whereas at least some of the plurality of switches are shown in the partial cutaway of FIG. 3.

FIG. 2 depicts and reveals the back 112 of the tablet computer 102. Further shown by FIG. 2, is the input device 114, which provides a pair of trigger switches 136 and 138, supported by their corresponding side structures 116 and 118 respectively.

FIG. 3 shows that a predetermined number of the plurality of switches 140, collaborate with each other to form an input apparatus 142, the input apparatus 142 controls display of virtual objects displayed on the electronic display screen 110 of the tablet computer 102. Preferably, the input apparatus 142 is a joystick 142. FIG. 3 further shows that the input device 114 provides a plurality of buttons 144 and 119 of the removable game control modules 120, which activate corresponding switches 145 and 121. The main function of the trigger 138, the joystick 142, and the buttons 144 and 119 of the removable game control modules 120 is to govern the movement/actions of a playable body/object or otherwise influence events in a video game 130 (of FIG. 1) or an alternate computer game.

FIG. 4 shows the G&D 100, further includes a second joystick 146, and a second button 148, which are provided on the side structure 116, adjacent the trigger 136. While FIG. 5 shows the central processing unit (CPU) 150, of the input device 114.

FIG. 6 shows the input device 114 includes the CPU 150, interacting with the plurality of switches 152, which preferably include at least switches 119 of the removable game control modules 120 (of FIG. 1), switches 117 of the removable game control modules 122 (of FIG. 1), 136, 138, 142, 144, 146, and 148 (of FIGS. 2 and 3). FIG. 6 further shows the input device 114 includes a communications protocol 154 providing the communication link between the tablet computer 102, and the input device 114. In a preferred embodiment, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) communications protocol is utilized. However, as those skilled in the art will recognize, the communications protocol 154 is not limited to a USB protocol.

FIG. 6 further shows that the tablet computer 102 preferably includes at least a CPU 156, interacting with the electronic display screen 110, the video game 130, a device driver 158, which facilitates the interaction between the tablet computer 102 and the input device 114, and a communications protocol 160 providing the communication link between the tablet computer 102, and the input device 114. In a preferred embodiment, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) communications protocol is utilized. However, as those skilled in the art will recognize, the communications protocol 160 is not limited to a USB protocol.

FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of an exemplary game controller 162, in which the device driver 158 and the video game 130 are located in the input device 114.

FIG. 8 shows in a preferred embodiment, the G&D 100 includes a first camera 184, on a first side of the tablet computer 102, a second camera 186, on the back side of the tablet computer 102 (shown by FIG. 9), a third camera 188 on a first side of the input device 114, and a fourth camera 190 on the back side of the input device 114 (shown by FIG. 9).

In a preferred embodiment, each of the four cameras may selectively function independently, or may be used in conjunction with one another, and each of the four cameras 184, 186, 188, and 190 are fully functional in capturing still and video images. Additionally, and preferably, the first and second cameras 184 and 186, are fully operative, even when the tablet computer 102 is detached from the input device 114, while the third and fourth cameras 188 and 190 are fully functional, even when the input device 114 is detached from the tablet computer 102.

In a preferred embodiment, when the tablet computer 102 is nested in the input device 114, the first and second cameras, 184 and 186, are responsive, either independently or simultaneously, to input from either the tablet computer 102, or the input device 114, depending on which device is selected for control of the first and second cameras, 184 and 186. Further, in the preferred embodiment, each the tablet computer 102 and the input device 114, are configured with a Bluetooth protocol stack communication feature, which permits the user to operate the first and second cameras, 184 and 186, of the tablet computer 102 with the input device 114, even when the tablet computer 102 is detached from the input device 114. Likewise, when the tablet computer 102 and the input device 114 are configured with a Bluetooth protocol stack communication feature, the user may operate the third and fourth cameras, 188 and 190, of the input device 114, using the tablet computer 102. In other words, in the preferred embodiment, each of the four cameras 184, 186, 188, and 190, may be selectively operated, individually or collectively, whether or not the tablet computer 102 is nested within the input device 114.

FIG. 9 shows that in a preferred embodiment, the input device 114, includes an auxiliary power source 192, and an auxiliary data storage device 194, which preferably includes a cache portion 196. Preferably, the auxiliary power source 192, is a lithium ion battery, which provides power to the input device 114, and the tablet computer 102, when the power source of the tablet computer 102 is depilated; and the auxiliary data storage device 194 is a solid state hard drive.

In the preferred embodiment, the cache 196 is sized to buffer synchronized input from each of the cameras 184, 186, 188, and 190, such that the auxiliary data storage device 194 may store and retrieve images, still or video, for display seamlessly, including a simultaneous output of video images recorded by each of the cameras 184, 186, 188, and 190.

In a non-limiting exemplary application of utilizing the cameras 184, 186, 188, and 190, the first camera 184 could be trained on an information presenter, while the second camera 186 is trained on a portion of an audience attending the presentation. The third camera 188, could be trained on a screen used by the presenter for presenting their information to the audience, while the fourth camera is trained on an alternate portion of the audience. By simultaneously replaying the recorded presentation, a response of the audience to the information, and sequence of information being presented, may be analyzed for fostering improvements to the presentation.

FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of a video game controller 200, which provides an integrated transaction card input feature 202. Preferably, the integrated transaction card input feature 202, includes a transaction card slot 204, and a transaction card reader 206. In a preferred embodiment, the transaction card reader 206, is a magnetic strip reader, but as those skilled in the art will recognize, the transaction card reader can be, in the alternate: is an optical character recognition reader; a barcode reader; an object recognition reader, or a pattern recognition reader.

FIG. 12 shows that in a preferred embodiment, a combination tablet computer and electronic game controller with an integrated point of sale device 210 preferably includes a tablet computer 212, having a plurality of sides 214, each of the plurality of sides 214, are disposed between an electronic display screen 216, of the tablet computer and a back 218 of the tablet computer, and an input device 220, in electronic communication with the tablet computer 212. The input device 220 preferably provides side structures 222, adjacent to and confining the tablet computer on at least two opposing sides of the plurality of sides 214 of the tablet computer 212. The input device 220, further preferably provides input module apertures 224, each input module aperture 224, selectively accepts either a game control module, such as 102 and 122 of FIG. 1, or a removable keyboard module, such as 226 and 228. Preferably, the input module apertures 224 are adjacent each of the at least two opposing sides of the plurality of sides 214 of the tablet computer 212.

FIG. 12 further shows that in a preferred embodiment, the combination tablet computer and electronic game controller with an integrated point of sale device 210 preferably includes a camera 230, communicating with each the input device 220, and the tablet computer 212. The camera 230, selectively captures either still or video images, and that the input device 220, further provides an integrated transaction card input feature 232, which interacts with a transaction card 234, and that preferably, the input device is an electronic game controller 220. Preferably, the camera 230 is a first camera, having a lens facing the user while the user is facing the electronic display screen 216, and includes at least a second camera, such as 186 or 190 (of FIG. 9), having a lens facing in a direction opposite that of the first camera 184.

FIG. 12 additionally shows an application 236, displayed on the electronic display screen 216, of the tablet computer 212. Preferably, the application 236, displayed on the electronic display screen 216 of the tablet computer 212, is a point of sale transactional computer application, which interacts with the electronic game controller 220 and the tablet computer 212.

FIG. 13 shows an alternative embodiment of a combination tablet computer and electronic game control 240 (also referred to herein as a device 240). The tablet computer 242, preferably provides a plurality of sides 244, each of the plurality of sides are disposed between an electronic display screen 246, of the tablet computer 242, and a back 248 of the tablet computer 242.

Preferably, the electronic game controller 250 (also referred to herein as input device 250), is in electronic communication with the tablet computer 242. Preferably, the input device 250, provides a pair of control modules 252. The pair of control modules 252, are adjacent to and confining the tablet computer 242, on at least two opposing sides of the plurality of sides 244, of the tablet computer 242. The pair of control modules 252, preferably provide input module apertures 254, each input module aperture 254, secures an instructional input device 256. Preferably, the input module apertures 254, are adjacent each of the at least two opposing sides of the plurality of sides 244, of the tablet computer 242.

FIG. 14 shows the back 248, of the tablet computer 242, and the tablet computer 242, partially positioned within the input device 250. FIG. 14 further shows a structural bridge 258, securing the pair of control modules 252, one to the other, and communicating with the back 248, of the tablet computer 242, at a mid-region 260, of the back 248, of the tablet computer 242.

FIG. 14 further shows that the pair of control modules 252, provide a confinement boss 262, and the confinement boss 262 provides a fastening detent 264. The fastening detent 264, interacts with a retention member 266, to secure the structural bridge 258, to the pair of control modules 252. In a preferred embodiment, the retention member 266, is responsive to a catch 268, which preferably is a spring activated catch 268, and the retention member 268 is preferably a spring loaded retention member 268. Still further, FIG. 14, shows that in a preferred embodiment, the structural bridge 258, provides a communication link 270, which passing signals between the pair of control modules 252.

Continuing with FIG. 14, in a preferred embodiment, the communication link 270, provides a communication module 272, and in the alternative, provides a signal pathway 274, for use in passing signals between the pair of control modules 252. In a preferred embodiment, the communication module 272 is a wireless communication module 272, which operates in a frequency range of 2.4 GHz. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the wireless communication module 272 is a personal area network. As those skilled in the art, a personal area network (PAN) is a computer network used for communication among computerized devices, including telephones and personal digital assistants. PANs can be used for communication among the personal devices themselves (intrapersonal communication), or for connecting to a higher level network and the Internet (an uplink). A wireless personal area network (WPAN) is a PAN carried over wireless network technologies such as IrDA, Bluetooth, Wireless USB, Z-Wave, ZigBee, or even Body Area Network. The reach of a WPAN varies from a few centimeters to a few meters. A PAN may also be carried over wired computer buses such as USB and FireWire.

In an embodiment that utilizes the signal pathway 274, as the communication link, the signal pathway 274 may be in the form of a metallic conductor, a fiber optic conductor, a conductive polymer, or the conductive layer of a flex circuit. The skilled artisan will further appreciate that the structural bridge 258 (of FIG. 14), or 276 (of FIG. 15) may be either formed from a ridged material, such as a ridged polymer, or from a flexible material, such as a flexible polymer. In a preferred embodiment, when a flexible material is selected, and the signal pathway 274 is a wired pathway, the signal pathway 274 may be coupled externally to the structural bridge 276, as shown by FIG. 15.

FIG. 15 further shows that in a preferred embodiment, the instructional input device 256, may be an electronic game control module 278 (which may be either removable, or fixed), or a keyboard module 280 (of FIG. 13, which may be either removable, or fixed).

It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and configurations of various embodiments of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of various embodiments of the invention, this detailed description is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of structure and arrangements of parts within the principles of the present invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. For example, the particular elements may vary depending on the particular tablet computer without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device comprising: a tablet computer, the tablet computer providing a plurality of sides, each of the plurality of sides are disposed between an electronic display screen of the tablet computer and a back of the tablet computer; an input device in electronic communication with the tablet computer, the input device providing a pair of control modules, the pair of control modules adjacent to and confining the tablet computer on at least two opposing sides of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer, the pair of control modules providing input module apertures, each input module aperture secures an instructional input device, wherein said input module apertures are adjacent each of the at least two opposing sides of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer; and a structural bridge securing the pair of control modules one to the other and communicating with the back of the tablet computer at a mid-region of the back of the tablet computer, and wherein the input device is an electronic game controller.
 2. The device of claim 1, in which the instructional input device is a removable input device.
 3. The device of claim 1, in which the instructional input device is a game control module.
 4. The device of claim 1, in which the instructional input device is a keyboard module.
 5. The device of claim 2, in which the removable instructional input device is a removable game control module.
 6. The device of claim 2, in which the removable instructional input device is a removable keyboard module.
 7. The device of claim 1, in which the structural bridge is a ridged structure.
 8. The device of claim 7, in which the rigid structural bridge is a removable rigid structure.
 9. The device of claim 1, in which the structural bridge is a flexible structure.
 10. The device of claim 9, in which the flexible structural bridge is a removable rigid structure.
 11. The device of claim 1, in which the pair of control modules provide a confinement boss, and in which the structural bridge comprising: a communication link passing signals between the pair of control modules; and a fastening mechanism cooperating with the confinement boss to secure the pair of control modules one to the other.
 12. The device of claim 11, in which the communication link is a signal pathway.
 13. The device of claim 12, in which the signal pathway is a metallic pathway.
 14. The device of claim 12, in which the signal pathway is a fiber optic pathway.
 15. The device of claim 11, in which the communication link provides a communication module.
 16. The device of claim 15, in which the communication module is a wired communication module.
 17. The device of claim 15, in which the communication module is a wireless communication module.
 18. The device of claim 17, in which the wireless communication module operates in a frequency range of 2.4 GHz.
 19. The device of claim 17, in which the wireless communication module is a personal area network.
 20. The device of claim 17, in which the wireless communication module utilizes infrared technology for data transactions. 